Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has thrown his weight behind the proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits in Edo State, endorsing a move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to impose stiffer punishment on violent criminals.
Oshiomhole made the declaration while addressing party supporters in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the former Edo State governor commended the Okpebholo administration for what he described as efforts to restore sanity and improve security across the state.
Expressing support for the governor’s proposal, Oshiomhole argued that states have the constitutional authority to enact laws prescribing punishments for offences within their jurisdiction.
“I stand here to completely endorse the declaration by the governor of Edo State that we are in a federation where every state has the right to enact laws on punishment when it comes to state offences. So kidnappers and bandits will be punished by death through firing squad,” he said.
The senator’s remarks come amid renewed efforts by the Edo State Government to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and banditry through stricter legal measures.
If enacted, the proposed law would introduce the death penalty by firing squad for persons convicted of kidnapping and banditry in the state, as part of broader efforts to deter violent crime and strengthen public safety.